Artificial intelligence (AI) is all the rage these days, and for good reason. It has the potential to transform the world in ways that we can hardly imagine. But, as with any new technology, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the future of AI and explore some of the challenges that lie ahead.
One of the most exciting developments in AI is the creation of “digital humans”. These are computer-generated representations of people that can interact with real humans through speech, gestures, and facial expressions. Think of them as virtual assistants, teachers, doctors, or even celebrities.
Digital humans have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology. They can provide a more personalized and engaging experience, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as entertainment, education, health care, and customer service.
However, there is a catch. Creating and running digital humans requires a lot of computing power and data, which in turn consumes a lot of energy.
According to a report by Fox News Media, artificial intelligence could use more energy than the entire human workforce by 2025 without sustainable AI practices.
The report cites Gartner’s research for their 2023 strategic predictions, which estimates that the energy consumption by AI is growing rapidly along with increasing use to automate human activities.
Machine learning models need to be trained and executed, which requires more cloud data centers.
So, what does this mean for the environment? Well, it’s not great news. The energy consumption of AI could have serious implications for the climate crisis and the global energy demand. If we continue on our current trajectory, we could be in big trouble.
But all is not lost. There are ways to mitigate the energy consumption of AI. For example, we can use energy-efficient algorithms and hardware, reduce data waste and carbon emissions, ensure data privacy and security, promote diversity and inclusion, and avoid bias and discrimination.
To ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical way, we need to take into account the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of the technology. This means that we need to be mindful of the impact that AI is having on the environment, as well as on society.
The tech industry has recognized the importance of responsibility when it comes to AI. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), a trade association that represents the tech industry, has formed an AI working group to address these issues and develop standards and best practices for responsible AI.
Brian Comiskey, the Director of Thematic Programs for the CTA, has emphasized the need for a responsible approach to AI. “We want to invest in innovation in our space. But is there a way to layer in a responsibility around, are we building this at the right pace ethically as well as from an environmental impact and other ESG sort of concerns?” he said in an interview with Fox News.
Another concern that is often raised when it comes to AI is the impact it will have on human workers. Will AI replace human workers, leading to widespread job loss and economic turmoil?
The answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no”. While it’s true that AI has the potential to automate many jobs, it also has the potential to create new jobs and opportunities. As Comiskey notes, “AI is not going to take away jobs. It’s going to create new jobs. It’s going to create new opportunities. It’s going to create new ways of doing things that we haven’t even thought of yet.”
In fact, the rise of AI may lead to a greater demand for workers who can communicate effectively with AI and explain its benefits and challenges to non-technical audiences. This means that there may be new opportunities for people with skills in communication, data analysis, and problem-solving.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the transition to a more AI-driven economy may not be smooth for everyone. There may be workers who are displaced by automation and struggle to find new employment. It’s crucial that we support these workers through retraining programs and social safety nets, so that they can adapt to the changing job market.
Finally, we come to the thorniest issue of all: the ethics of AI. AI has the potential to do a lot of good, but it also has the potential to do harm. We’ve already seen examples of AI systems that perpetuate bias and discrimination, such as facial recognition algorithms that are less accurate for people with darker skin tones (The Gender Shades project).
It’s important that we address these ethical concerns head-on, and that we do so in a transparent and collaborative way. This means involving a wide range of stakeholders in the conversation, including industry experts, academics, policymakers, and members of affected communities.
One promising approach to addressing ethical concerns is the development of “ethical AI frameworks”. These are sets of principles and guidelines that can help guide the development and deployment of AI in a responsible and ethical manner. One example of an ethical AI framework is the European Union’s “Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI”, which emphasizes transparency, fairness, and human-centricity.
In conclusion, the future of AI is both exciting and daunting. It has the potential to transform the world in ways that we can hardly imagine, but it also comes with significant challenges.
From energy consumption to job displacement to ethical concerns, we need to approach AI with caution and responsibility.
By working together, we can ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that benefits everyone. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll even have our own personal digital assistants to help us navigate these complex issues!